The sales tally of 341,000 copies in the space of one week is the biggest ever in the US for an overseas act.

The achievement comes as the group failed to top the UK charts last Sunday, making it to just number three. And it is expected to drop out of the top five of the Official Singles Chart on Sunday.

But the band were thrilled by their latest US success, with Niall Horan saying: "We're so happy with the success of the single in the USA and can't wait for everyone to hear our new album. Thank you to all the fans once again."

The single has also proved a popular draw online. The promo for the single became the most viewed video within 24 hours on video site Vevo.

Earlier this year the quintet became the first UK group to enter the US Billboard chart with their debut album, Up All Night.

Meanwhile, Adele's 007 single Skyfall looks set to fail its mission to top the UK charts for a second week.

The Grammy winner, 24, was hot favourite to become the first singer to get to number one with a Bond theme.

But the Official Charts Company said Scandinavian DJ supergroup Swedish House Mafia are expected to hold Adele off the top spot.

Skyfall, which debuted at number four last weekend, looks set for second place this Sunday.